Alameda County Biographies
Maurice M. Roach
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm
Maurice M. Roach, a worthy native son and successful business man of Oakland, is half
owner in the undertaking establishment formerly conducted under the name of J. H. McCarthy &
Company, but since changed to Roach & Kenney. He was born on the 12th of August, 1869, a son
of Michael and Hannah Roach. The father came to Oakland in 1868 and was here engaged in the
tannery business until his death in 1869.
Maurice M. Roach attended the Christian Brothers College until sixteen years of age and
subsequently secured a position as clerk in a retail grocery store, being thus employed until
1894. He then became requisition clerk in the United States construction and repair department
on Mare Island, holding that position until May, 1905, when he resigned and returned to Oakland.
Here he spent two years in the government supply business and then became deputy county
assessor, discharging the duties of that position for a year and a half. On the expiration of
that period he purchased a half interest in the undertaking establishment of J. H. McCarthy &
Company, now known as Roach & Kenney, and has remained in that business to the present time,
success attending his venture. In March, 1914, they removed to their present location at 3479
Piedmont avenue, where they have one of the finest equipped parlors in the state.
In March, 1896, in San Francisco, Mr. Roach was united in marriage to Miss Alice M.
Giggus, by whom he has four children, as follows: Maurice, sixteen years of age, who is a
student in St. Anthony's school; Elizabeth, who is fourteen years old and attends Lourdes
Academy; Leo, who is nine years of age and attends St. Anthony's school; and Charles, five
years old.
In his political views Mr. Roach is independent, supporting men and measures rather
than party. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus, the Maccabees and the
Foresters of America. Well known in the city of his nativity, he has won the uniform trust and
good will of all by reason of his pleasant and attractive personality, and all his life he has
been straightforward and honorable.
Past & Present of Alameda County, California � Vol II, S. J. Clarke Publ. Co., 1914, p. 119